Geometry In Venice

"Geometry In Venice" a play by Michael Mackenzie, directed by Chris Abraham.

Continuing this season's themes of mentorship and education and the important roles thay play in our lives the Segal Center in association with Crow's Theatre present 'Geometry In Venice'. Adapted from The Pupil, a novella by Henry James, the story brings us into the lives of the Moreen family, an impoverished yet aristocratic British family living in Venice at the end of the 19th century. Desperate to keep up appearances, they travel to the fashionable salons of Europe in search of a wealthy suitor to marry their only daughter Amy (Susanna Fournier). In this play, the playwright has included the original author Henry James (Damien Atkins) as a character into the tale who becomes a promising suitor. Although reluctant and unable to pay a salary, the parents: Mr. Moreen (Aiden Devive) and Mrs. Moreen (Allegra Fulton) hire a Canadian tutor and aspiring writer Pemberton (Graham Cuthbertson) to provide their ailing genius son Morgan (Eliotte Larson) with a classical education. The play is a timely examination of a family's obsession with wealth and status, raising questions of ethics and morality.

The set design (Julie Fox) is sufficiently dramatic yet minimalist in basic concept; the costumes are impeccable. The lighting of Luc Prairie and sound of Antoine Bédard are very intregated and very connected to the story telling. The performances are all well presented across the board with stand out moments delived by both Allegra Fulton (Mrs. Moreen) and Susanna Fournier (Amy). There is an expression, quoted from W.C. Fields "Never perform with children and animals...they'll ultimately upstage you." The performance of the revelation that is Eliott Larson proves this to be tried and true. At the ripe old age of 14, as Morgan playing 12, he is one to watch as an up and comer fresh home grown local talent. He is engaging and fearless in his portrayal of this complex and engaging character.

Is presented at the Segal Center for Performing Arts, January 31 to February 14. www.segalcentre.org